Fun and entertainment Venice

While the Florian was considered the café of the Italian nationalists, the Quadri was the den of the Austrians. In any case, the setting that it has distilled for 250 years is radiant. The upstairs dining room is a marvel of stucco, marble, velvet and precious mirrors. Once at the table, the scallops with saffron or the chestnut gnocchetti are some of the dishes that will sweep you off your feet, even if the prices are high, as the magic of the place requires, including when it comes to a simple espresso or a cocktail.

The Santo Bevitore ("Holy Drinker") is a nice pub, a favorite haunt of beer lovers, but also of the clientele of the nearby youth hostel. You will find drinks and food, on the go, small bruschette and other antipasti. A very friendly atmosphere in a colorful setting, with its omnipresent words on the walls. If the public comes here, it is also for the musical program. Some evenings, concerts allow future talents to test their first titles live. Beautiful memories in the key.

Inaugurated in 1678, it was then called Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo. An opera house, it expanded its repertoire to include comedy under the direction of Carlo Goldoni himself from 1730, and since 1837 has borne the name of the famous Spanish singer Maria Malibran. In 1996, the Malibran became the Theater of the Venetians, pending the reopening of the fire-damaged Fenice. It retains its remarkable period decorations and hosts classical music concerts and plays, under the same management as La Fenice.

Historic theater of post-war Venice, staging avant-garde programming with a focus on contemporary creation. For fans of the genre (Italian-speaking).

The Giorgione, with its two theaters and 297 seats, offers both art house and big budget films. It is one of the most popular cinemas in Venice, between Fondamenta Nuove and Rialto. Get off the vaporetto 1 at Ca'd'Oro and, after passing Campo Santi Apostoli, you're there.

The Accademia Cinema offers more fresh new features at unbeatable prices. It's ideal if you missed the movie you're talking about in all dinners. Comfort is minimal: The room is not heated in winter (there are even air currents), and the seats are far from comfortable.

Free entrance.

A trendy address for young people and offers a super "happy hour". This very nice bar, hosted by a French woman, is located opposite the university. A guaranteed student atmosphere!

One of the many meeting points of the young people of Venice. As its name indicates, in this wine bar you can enjoy a drink on a jazz background in an exhilarating light atmosphere. The Bacaro offers a fine selection of beers, cocktails and wines to drink in glass. Late in the evening, waiters from the restaurants of the surrounding area have a last drink. In the afternoon, it's the ideal place to enjoy a drink between friends, while in the evening, more "hot", there are other epicurean who also appreciate this address.

This neighborhood establishment on the edge of Castello and San Marco is a nice place to take a break, after a day's work or between two walks, hence the mix of locals and vacationers. From breakfast to dinner, from morning espresso to evening cocktails, people come here to eat on the go, in the dining room or on the terrace, with a range of inexpensive and efficient dishes on the menu: salads, assorted fried fish, tomato-mozza, among other choices.

This café has a beautiful location in the shadow of the sculptural Clock Tower. It is one of the historical addresses of San Marco square. The prices are almost similar to the other famous cafés nearby but who cares, as long as there is drunkenness and you have a good time watching the crowd, consuming Spritz and stuffed tramezzini, comfortably installed in your armchair. Inside, a Murano glass floor lamp is the Lavena's signature. Each of its branches is topped by a white-capped Moor's head.

A nice and cozy shop where Francesca has managed to unite her two passions, that for books and that for good wine (she also has a past as a wine grower). On the walls of this charmingly retro address, dozens of book covers (of movies, for children, etc.) are displayed on the shelves like paintings: monographs, stories, fables... They surround long recycled and flowery tables. Behind the zinc, where the kitchenette is located, hot drinks and aperitifs are prepared, accompanied by pastries or planks of cold cuts.

Take a break in a business with sober and elegant lines, a rather unusual place which rests on a triptych of café, wine bar and art gallery. Imagina welcomes you from morning to night and until late on weekends. You can come for a simple espresso with a brioche, a focaccia with grilled vegetables or cannelloni with spinach. You can also come to share an aperitif with friends, over a cocktail or a glass of regional wine, all in a setting enhanced by modern furniture and contemporary paintings.

A bewitching atmosphere between Venetian style and the splendours of the Orient, for the bar-café of the sumptuous Hotel Metropole. The barman skillfully blends various alcohols and spices for cocktails (try the Vivaldi Martini), teas or drinks with unexpected and original flavours. A surprising and totally exotic place, opening the doors to the kingdom of the East. Between April and October, the bar moves to the peaceful garden of the Met restaurant, which comes alive on Friday nights to the sound of trendy DJs (smooth jazz and Ibiza hits).

Definitively modern atmosphere which slices with the style of the Venetian bacari to approach more the New Yorkean bars: high stools, iron bed, bar out of stone and contemporary art set the tone. The clientele mixes with the buildings of all the ages and the discussion is quickly committed with the travellers in a "cool" atmosphere rather. Very good cocktails, ciccheti and club sandwich.

No fuss here, but the real Venice, the one of the civil servants who swallow their espresso before going to the office, the one of the fishermen who stop for a spritz in the evening, the one of the children who ask for a brioche for their snack after school. The setting is not too seductive, but the bar overlooks a lovely campo (a stone's throw from the Frari basilica). And we love it! Each drink is followed by small free snacks (rare in Venice) and by its lot of local discussions. The whole at unbeatable prices.

Right in front of the beautiful Basilica dei Frari, a picturesque café whose soft lights and red front invite you in. A slightly bohemian atmosphere reigns here, with its leather benches, the dimmed lights, the scenes painted on the walls, and the incredible balcony that guards the mezzanine. We like to sit at one of the small tables for an aperitivo or a light lunch. Gourmet cocktails like the Sunset in Cambaluc, with paprika and raspberry infused vodka, make the barman one of the most experienced in Venice.

A wonderful address, recently opened in the residential area of Castello. An old greenhouse created for the 1894 Art Biennale, now tastefully restored, houses an organic cafeteria, a concert and exhibition hall, a cultural center, all surrounded by flowers and green plants. The ideal place to drink a tea or a glass of prosecco in peace and quiet, between one visit and another, but also for a snack with the children; toasts and fruit juices will satisfy appetites of all ages.

This little architectural gem was taken over by the French. A ^17th-century casino (a kind of small salon for pleasure and leisure), the Palazzetto is now home to the Centre de Musique Romantique Française, dedicated to promoting a musical repertoire from 1780 to 1920, as original as it is little-known. The concert calendar is rich and attractive. Even without attending a show, a visit to the site will allow you to admire the marvellous fresco and stucco decoration, as well as the carved wooden balustrade overlooking the ballroom.

One of the favorite cinemas of the Venetians, located in the heart of San Marco. This is the place where movie lovers like to go to see the best films of the moment, both Italian and foreign. The establishment has built its reputation over the last century. It currently has three large screening rooms, one of which has 300 seats and shows feature films in 3D. At the Rossini, it is often possible to attend previews before the Mostra.

Da Filo, this friendly neighborhood bacaro, has a crazy charm! A bit vintage, but above all ultra bohemian and above all not touristy. You can enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine or a spritz in a flea market atmosphere, on the pleasant terrace or inside, in a cheerful bazaar, among books, miscellaneous objects or even near the old piano. The prices of the drinks are honest, as are the prices of the boards that come with them (superb meatballs). On the entertainment side, concerts of local boy bands are organized every week.

Basegone is a welcoming and picturesque address located in Campo San Tomà, one of the most emblematic campi of the city. It is a typical Venetian cicchetteria, with its charm and sense of hospitality. In this family-run wine bar, they make sure the quality is there. They select the best products and make sure they are as beautiful as they are tasty. You will enjoy glasses of wine, spritz and homemade cicchetti. To be enjoyed in a popular atmosphere, coupled with regularly organized events.

Located on the campsite, the terrace is the new institution of Venetian trenches at the hour of the aperitif. A delightful bohemian atmosphere. Cabernet or spritz, chardonnay or prosecco, you can choose between French or Italian wines. One thing is sure, taste the ciccheti in the bar. Very correct pizzas too.

In this pretty neighborhood bar located on the banks of a canal, Venetians often stop for a drink accompanied by beautiful toast as an appetizer. The house has more than 500 wine labels, with a clear predominance of local vintages. Along the walls, the shelves are lined with these bottles, so you will be spoilt for choice. You may be served a "balloon" of fragolino, a strawberry flavored vintage...

The enoteca's focus is on small-scale producers, with the possibility of tasting almost every derivative of the region's famous prosecco. The house also offers a selection of biodynamic wines. The tasting can be accompanied by cheeses, cured meats or a plate of tomato-mozzarella. And don't forget our bread with oil and oregano! You'll have the pleasure of spending a pleasant moment seated at the little tables on the terrace, facing the bell tower of San Giacomo dell'Orio, lulled by the voices of the children playing on the Campo.

This last address, which has won the Golden Palm of Venice's nightlife awards since its opening in September 2018, is not to be missed. The way to get there is not the easiest, but the setting, the drinks and the food are worth the detour. The choice of beers is extensive, and the list of cocktails is well provided. On the menu, burger and chips are served with spaghetti in squid ink, oyster platters from Chioggia and Parma ham boards. To be enjoyed as early as the aperitif, in a very local atmosphere

A small, rustic bar on the edge of the canal, just across the Dei Pugni bridge from the church of San Barnaba. People come here at all hours to drink a coffee, enjoy a good vintage, sip a spritz or a beer, and eat on the go. Good regional products (cheese and ham) line the window, and some delicious dishes are available à la carte at lunchtime. Perfect for a pleasant break. Local regulars like to meet up here, and you'll be made to feel very welcome. Warm Irish bar atmosphere (the wood has a lot to do with it). Very reasonable prices.

A tiny neighborhood bar at the foot of the Ponte Giovanni, where a few old-timers have their morning habits. It's one of the best places to stop off on your way to Santa Croce, where you can watch the bustle of Campo San Cassian. Ideal for a hot chocolate, americano or latte with croissant, or to share a beer, mojito or glass of sangria with friends. But it's also a popular spot for tourists, so service can be rushed and prices inflated.

A cosy place, both trendy and refined. This elegant café welcomes you at any time of the day with its raw wood, stainless steel and frosted glass decor. You can come early in the morning to sip an espresso, at noon to devour a panini or a sandwich on the go, and finally to drink a cocktail in the evening. On the menu, we find a wide range of typical dishes revisited with taste. The whole is rather sophisticated, with a touch of originality. Nice wine list. A delicate address in short, which will seduce in particular the lovers.

The owner Mauro Lorenzon is a reason to spend the evening in his wine bar. He will tell you everything about the local wine production and will open any of his bottles for you. If you ask nicely, he will happily and expertly pour a good bottle of prosecco. And when hunger strikes, seafood (including oysters from the lagoon), spaghetti with squid ink, ravioli, buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes will be among the dishes suggested on the menu.

Located just a few meters from the thousand-year-old church of Santa Mater Domini, this little neighborhood café is also a place steeped in history... and stories. It's a family business that has been going strong with the same enthusiasm since 1937. Antonio, the current owner, has taken up the torch from his elders to continue serving his clientele, from cappuccino-croissant regulars to students looking for an aperitif and evening concerts. At lunchtime, thanks to the takeaway service available at the counter, you'll find something to quench your hunger without breaking the bank.

Zanzibar looks like both a small newspaper kiosk in the square and a short-lived beach bar, with a few tables (all outside) under umbrellas and commercial music. The clientele is young, even if a few grannies come there to chat. Everything that is eaten in a beach bar is there: hot-dogs, hamburgers, panini, slices of pizza (prefer hot-dogs!). Refresh yourself with slushies, cold coffees or homemade ice cream. Like everywhere else, here too you can drink beer and spritz.

Ozio is a modern and pleasant café with a large terrace in one of Castello's most emblematic squares. Umbrellas are a must in the summer, with sunshine guaranteed from morning to night. Come and sit down to watch the passers-by and relax at brunch time (good pastries and savory bites), at lunch time (croque-madame, club sandwich, salad...) or at tea/coffee time at 5 pm or at the evening aperitif, with a glass of prosecco and some homemade cicchetti to end the day. Young and smiling staff.